Senior Software Engineer - Kernel & Device Drivers

The era of pervasive AI has arrived. In this era, organizations will use generative AI to unlock hidden value in their data, accelerate processes, reduce costs, drive efficiency and innovation to fundamentally transform their businesses and operations at scale.

SambaNova Suite™ is the first full-stack, generative AI platform, from chip to model, optimized for enterprise and government organizations. Powered by the intelligent SN40L chip, the SambaNova Suite is a fully integrated platform, delivered on-premises or in the cloud, combined with state-of-the-art open-source models that can be easily and securely fine-tuned using customer data for greater accuracy. Once adapted with customer data, customers retain model ownership in perpetuity, so they can turn generative AI into one of their most valuable assets.

Overview

SambaNova is seeking a Principal Engineer to own post-silicon bring-up, debug, and validation of high-speed IO and memory subsystems within the DataScale® platform. This role is central to delivering reliable, high-performance AI systems at scale. You will lead complex system-level debug across silicon, board, and software layers, driving issues to root cause and resolution from first silicon through deployment. This is a hands-on role for an engineer with deep expertise in high-speed interfaces and hardware debug, who can operate in ambiguity and execute with high ownership.

Responsibilities

System Bring-Up & Validation

Own post-silicon bring-up and validation of high-speed IO and memory subsystems, including characterization, functional validation, stress testing, and performance analysis

Enable system power-on and bring-up readiness, including debug infrastructure, tooling, and contingency planning

Debug & Cross-Functional Execution

Lead system-level debug to root cause complex issues spanning silicon, board, and software layers

Drive cross-functional resolution with design, firmware, verification, and system teams to ensure timely bring-up and issue closure

Productization & Deployment

Support product validation, deployment, and RMA debug in partnership with system and customer engineering teams

Ensure readiness for product release with a focus on stability, performance, and field reliability

Pre-Silicon & Design Feedback

Review SoC, board design, and SI/PI analysis from a post-silicon debug and deployment perspective

Contribute to pre-silicon verification and emulation to improve bring-up efficiency and coverage

Infrastructure & Methodology

Develop scripts and tools to automate validation, debug, and data analysis workflows

Improve post-silicon validation methodologies, debug infrastructure, and test scalability

Basic Qualifications

MS in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

7+ years of experience in post-silicon validation or system bring-up

Additional Required Qualifications

Experience with high-speed IO or memory protocols such as PCIe, Ethernet, hBM, CXL, or UCIe

Strong analytical skills for test development and data analysis

Proficiency in scripting (e.g., bash, python)

Proven ability to lead cross-functional debugging efforts

Self-starter with strong ownership and execution skills

Clear and effective communicator with a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving

Preferred Qualifications

Deep understanding of high-speed SerDes training and adaptation

Experience with mixed-signal IO design and validation

Hands-on experience with lab equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes)

Proficiency in programming languages, such as C,

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at SambaNova Systems, you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified.

EEO Policy

SambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Benefits Summary for US-Based, Full-Time Employment Positions

SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including the base salary, plus equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, and 77% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution. We also offer Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance plans in addition to Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options like Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care. Our library of well-being benefits available to you and your dependents includes a full subscription to Headspace, Gympass+ membership with access to physical gyms, One Medical membership, counseling services with an Employee Assistance Program, and much more.